Learning to code doesn’t require new brain systems—it builds on the ones we already use for logic and reasoning. Researchers found that when people learned programming, the same fronto-parietal brain regions that processed logical statements also lit up for computer code.
Coding Comes Naturally to the Human Brain Read More »
The viral phrase “touch grass” may be more than internet humor—science shows that engaging with nature and music can significantly boost emotional and physical well-being. A new review found that combining these experiences—such as listening to music outdoors, gardening while singing, or caring for animals—can improve mood, reduce stress, and ease symptoms of anxiety and
Music and Nature Work in Harmony to Ease Stress and Lift Mood Read More »
Older adults who regularly listen to or play music may significantly lower their risk of dementia, according to a study of more than 10,800 people over age 70. Those who always listened to music showed a 39% lower risk of developing dementia and better memory performance, while those who played instruments had a 35% lower
Listening to Music After 70 May Cut Dementia Risk by Nearly 40% Read More »
A new study reveals that the brain uses two distinct neural pathways to regulate sugar and fat intake. In mice, glucoprivation—a drop in blood sugar levels—activates separate circuits in the hypothalamus: AMPK-regulated CRH neurons drive high-carbohydrate consumption, while MC4R-expressing neurons promote high-fat food intake.
Brain Circuits Split Food Choices Between Sugar and Fat Cravings Read More »
Alzheimer’s disease not only damages memory but also distorts the brain’s internal clock, disrupting the daily rhythms of hundreds of genes tied to brain health. Researchers found that in mice with amyloid buildup, normal circadian gene activity in microglia and astrocytes—the brain’s immune and support cells—became erratic.
Alzheimer’s Disrupts Brain’s Internal Clock, Unraveling Gene Rhythms Read More »
New research reveals that replacing even 30 minutes of sitting with light physical activity—like walking or doing household chores—can boost mood and energy the following day. The study tracked over 350 young adults using wearable monitors to assess daily movement patterns.
Swap 30 Minutes of Sitting for Light Activity to Boost Next-Day Mood Read More »
New brain imaging research has uncovered how the brain’s energy and activity reorganize as it transitions from wakefulness to deep NREM sleep. Using an advanced tri-modal EEG-PET-MRI approach, scientists found that while cognitive regions quiet down, sensory and motor areas stay active, keeping the brain responsive to the environment.
Brain’s Energy Flow Reveals Hidden Coordination During Deep Sleep Read More »
Researchers have identified molecular mechanisms behind age-related memory decline — and shown they can be reversed. Two studies revealed that correcting specific molecular processes in the hippocampus and amygdala, and reactivating a silenced memory-supporting gene called IGF2, improved memory in older rats.
Gene Editing Reverses Age-Related Memory Loss Read More »
A new study reveals that how people think about and cope with chronic pain is more important than the pain itself in determining physical activity levels. Researchers found that individuals with higher pain resilience — the ability to maintain positive functioning despite pain — were significantly more active than those with lower resilience.
Pain Resilience, Not Pain Itself, Predicts How Active People Stay Read More »
Teenagers who sleep less or experience frequent night awakenings are significantly more likely to attempt suicide later in adolescence, according to a major longitudinal study. Researchers analyzed data from more than 8,500 teens and found that poor sleep at age 14 predicted suicide attempts by age 17, even after accounting for other mental health risk
Lack of Sleep in Teens Linked to Higher Suicide Risk Read More »
